Is That Pirated Software?

underpar writes "According to this ZDNet.com article, Microsoft 'has launched a pilot program in which some visitors to the main Windows download page are being asked to let the software maker check to see whether their copy of the operating system is licensed.' The check is not required, but after the desired 20,000 users go through the program they might change their tune."

Comments

..Pr0n????

[MisanthropicProgram]

inform the customer that their decision to visit every gambling and porn site under the sun necessitates that they buy a new copy of Windows.

As somone who visits a few porn sites (for example):

http://www.sleazydream.com/

http://www.luckyjoint.com/
What exactly causes the problems?
I do visit these sites with a user account on XP and sometimes wear a condom.

I have a question for Microsoft.

[teamhasnoi]

If it's not a worthless OEM copy of Windows that makes you format your drive in order to re-install, it's patch after patch after patch, or exploit after exploit after exploit.

They are a convicted monopoly that uses its market share to put others out of business, and has the gall to call it 'innovation'.

They take standards agreed upon and 'embrace and extend' them until they are ruined for everyone. They lie, cheat, steal, patent obvious things, and sue kids named Mike Rowe.

They hide APIs from everyone except their own devs, they break others to cause problems for competitors, and insist that open source is for terrorists and communists.

So, Microsoft, my question for you is:

When will you stop EATING MY BALLS?

Re:Buyer's remorse

[holy_smoke]

"50 Billion in the bank proves nothing beyond that they have a ton of money." So at what point do we say there is a difference between a decent profit and out-and-out rape of the consumer? "That's the excuse of the oppressed and I seriously doubt you're being oppressed by anyone except your parents." LOL. You're a dork. I am 37 years old and make triple digits (seriously). You have no idea what you are talking about, I assure you. Its not about "the rich" as you put it. Its about "standing up against what you know is wrong", which as you get older becomes more important. never mind.. you wouldn't understand.

Windows XP is not bad..

[rofthorax]

Linux zealots would have a hard time arguing ease of use in terms of getting stuff, downloading and installing it.. Linux is a no-brainer if you have no choice, and particularly if you are offering computing services, but if you want a good front-end something you can use for say web development or avaerage work, then its hard to beat Windows XP.. FYI, I bought mine from an ebayer who was selling copies as OEM, which just requires that he distribute a copy with a sound-wire that connects a soundblaster to the speaker in the PC case, this satisfies the requirements Windows has to sell software as an OEM. Microsoft really doesn't care as they would rather people use XP and not linux, it allows them to leverage developers into purchasing development kits from them.. Which is the downside to using teh Windows platform..

As for bugs, its got just as much as linux, I don't know which is worse, and onfocused development of an open source OS (where most people are unprofessional and uncolleged) or a paid for focused operating system developed by colleged professionals. However I accept both of them, and for server side stuff I would HATE to use Windows.. Its not really designed for multi-user support and Unix is.. You can do it with windows, but its really not designed to be a zero-kernel multi-user system, its too bloated with features to be useful as a multi-user OS..